Dr. John Lapkass, MD
Dr. John Lapkass is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Anchorage, Alaska. A Medicare provider since 2006, Dr. Lapkass has performed 22 Medicare-verified knee replacements (#15 in Alaska) and 14 hip replacements, for a combined total of 36 procedures.
In Alaska, Dr. Lapkass performs below average in knee (22 vs 36 avg), below average in hip (14 vs 27 avg).
Dr. Lapkass's reported Medicare volume is split between knee replacements (22 cases) and hip replacements (14 cases).
Anchorage is home to 18 orthopedic surgeons in the current Medicare dataset. Patients in the Anchorage area can compare surgeon volume and procedure specialization to find the right fit for their joint replacement needs.
Medicare records for Dr. Lapkass extend back to 2014, covering 10 years of data. Over that period, recorded procedure volume increased from 17 to 36 in the most recent data, a 112% increase. This sustained growth reflects an expanding joint replacement practice.
Dr. Lapkass's 22 knee replacement procedures is below the national average of 45 among 6,720 surgeons. Medicare data captures roughly a third of all joint replacements, so actual volume is likely higher.
Verified Medicare Cases
How is this estimated?
Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims represent approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally (source: CMS data, AJRR). This range estimates the surgeon's total practice volume across all payers. The verified Medicare count above is the definitive, audited figure.
How Dr. Lapkass Compares
Procedure volume compared to the Alaska state average.
Contact & Location
Anchorage, AK 99508
Verified Case Volume Trends (2013-Current)
Volume Trend Analysis
Dr. Lapkass's Medicare-recorded procedure volume has trended upward over 10 years, increasing 112% from 17 procedures in 2014 to 36 in the most recent data.
Patient Resources: Preparing for Knee Replacement
If you are considering knee replacement surgery, these evidence-based guides can help you prepare and recover:
An overview of current surgical approaches including robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques, implant options, and expected outcomes.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Joint ReplacementA practical checklist of questions covering experience, technique, hospital choice, and recovery expectations to discuss during your surgical consultation.
Rehabilitation Roadmap: Your Complete Recovery GuideA structured physical therapy progression from the first post-op exercises through full strength and mobility restoration over 3 to 6 months.
Outpatient Joint Replacement: A Medicare GuideHow outpatient joint replacement works under Medicare, including eligibility criteria, cost differences, and what to expect with same-day discharge.
Knee Replacement Recovery Overview
Recovery timelines vary by patient, but here is a general overview of what to expect after knee replacement surgery:
Individual recovery varies based on overall health, age, and adherence to physical therapy. View full knee replacement recovery guide and product recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Lapkass
How does Dr. Lapkass's procedure volume compare to other Alaska surgeons?
Dr. Lapkass has performed 36 Medicare-verified joint replacement procedures. The Alaska average is 52 procedures per surgeon. Medicare data captures roughly one-third of all joint replacements, so total volume may be higher. Dr. Lapkass ranks #15 out of 27 orthopedic surgeons in Alaska.
What types of joint replacement does Dr. Lapkass perform?
Dr. Lapkass's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases) and hip replacement (14 cases).
How experienced is Dr. Lapkass with knee replacement surgery?
Dr. Lapkass ranks #15 in Alaska for knee replacement with 22 Medicare-verified procedures. This high ranking among 27 state surgeons indicates significant experience with this specific procedure.
Are there other orthopedic surgeons near Dr. Lapkass in Anchorage?
Yes. There are 18 orthopedic surgeons in Anchorage in the current Medicare dataset. Patients can compare procedure volumes and specializations to choose the surgeon who best fits their needs. Use the state page to view all Alaska surgeons.
What does the Medicare data for Dr. Lapkass represent?
The procedure counts shown are based on the most recent Medicare Part B fee-for-service claims data, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This captures approximately 33–37% of all joint replacements performed nationally. Dr. Lapkass's total practice volume — including private insurance and Medicare Advantage patients — is likely higher than the 36 procedures shown here.
Has Dr. Lapkass's procedure volume changed over time?
Yes. Dr. Lapkass's Medicare-recorded volume has increased from 17 procedures in 2014 to 36 in the most recent data, a 112% increase over 10 years. This upward trend suggests an expanding joint replacement practice. Peak volume was 36 procedures in 2023.
Does Dr. Lapkass perform more than one type of joint replacement?
Yes. Dr. Lapkass's Medicare data shows procedures in knee replacement (22 cases), hip replacement (14 cases). Surgeons who perform multiple joint replacement types maintain broad technical skills across different anatomical joints.
How does Dr. Lapkass compare to other orthopedic surgeons in Anchorage?
Among the 18 orthopedic surgeons in Anchorage, Dr. Lapkass ranks #10 by total Medicare procedure volume. The highest-volume surgeon in Anchorage has 187 verified Medicare procedures.
Other Orthopedic Surgeons in Anchorage, Alaska
Dr. Lapkass's 36 Medicare procedures are below the Anchorage average of 94. The table below compares verified procedure volumes for orthopedic surgeons practicing in Anchorage.
| Surgeon | Procedures | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Douglas Prevost | 187 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Tucker Drury | 124 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Thomas Paynter | 110 | Hip, Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Ian Brimhall | 84 | Hip, Knee |
| Dr. Bradley Sparks | 64 | Knee, Shoulder |
| Dr. Elisha Powell | 56 | Hip, Knee |
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